R&R
April 13, 2023 by Anna -
After our busy “Heart Week,” today feels like we all get to take a big sigh of relief. We’re so thankful for our veterinary and staff team that made it possible… But also, thank goodness that’s over.
Since Terry was the last to have his exam yesterday, he is also the last one recovering from his anesthesia in the front rooms. Here he receives a check in with Dr. Erin who gave him the all clear to rejoin the group.
The spring sun and wind is going strong today. This makes the sheltered greenhouses the most ideal hangout spaces.
Dora transitions into nap mode:
Honey B:
Jody:
One thing I saw today, but was unable to photograph at the time, it seems that “grass season” has also begun. I caught Negra and Annie having a pre-breakfast grass snack on Young’s Hill this morning and it warmed my heart.
Here’s a throwback photo from a few years ago to remind us all of what the grass will soon look like out there:
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Aw, Anna, thanks for the Neggie News of the Week!
Terry has a heart condition, too!? I knew about Cy and Bubba…didn’t know about Terry
Aw, that is good news and those darlings are very precious.You obviously have very good and caring medical team. All’s well that ends well. Lovely to see the chimps enjoying a little R&R in their beautiful surroudings. Hugs and best wishes from Australia accross the miles.
Still laughing over J.B.’s comment on yesterday’s post that “Dr. Willy B’s [dental] credentials are fake and “The Chimpanzee School for Good Teeth” doesn’t even exist.” Proving, that even after all the pressure and organizing and worrying, you all manage to keep your sense of humor. How do you it?!
You all deserved this day of chimp R&R. And I bet you gave a big sigh of relief after Dr. Erin gave Terry the green light to go back with his group today. Hope everyone looks similar to Dora, Honey B, and Mave when you retire this evening! You’ve earned it!!
Negra and Annie snacking on the early sprouts of green is the perfect vision to end my day.
Very glad to hear that the check ups are over with and the Chimps are doing well. Many thanks to the veterinary and staff team for taking such wonderful care of the precious Chimps.
Thank you for taking such wonderful care of these amazing beings.
When I read yesterdays blog, I kept thinking about the trust that they have in you, I’m so glad that they are all doing OK.:revolving_hearts:
I have a question, is there ever a time where both groups spend time together?
No, though I think Bubba and Jody would love that
Is there a reason they dont?
A very big reason.
Chimps are territorial. The original 7 have been there for about 14 yrs now. They tried integrating Honey B, Mave, and Willy into the 7. It went well for a few days, then there was a dustup at 4:30 am one day that caused big injuries and led to Burrito being castrated (that’s where one of the big injuries was). The decision was made to not pursue that integration further. Since some of the 6 CA chimps already knew some of the 3 CA chimps, that integration was more manageable, but still took a long time. They did it right, and so far, it’s working.:upside_down:
Thanks so much for the backstory! So sad to learn about Burrito’s experience.
Yw, Iris.
Burrito had a benign mass on one that they were keeping an eye on, anyway. And the upside is that since then, the ladies find him more tolerable, and i notice that he’s been shadowing Jamie more closely.
Still, every time I see him watching the neighbors, I wonder if he’s remembering his play date with Willy B, and wishing he could hang with the other dudes….
Thankfully he was able to receive care! Perhaps a playdate would be good for him and his pals? I’m sure the keepers have considered a reunion of sorts. Close bonds aren’t always easy to come by, especially in captivity where you don’t have a say.
The caregivers (it’s a sanctuary, after all) feel that their safety is more important than their potential longing for new friends. Each group has plenty of members for socialization, and Burrito’s position in the group has (IMHO) improved since the castration, as his morning displays have calmed down. Although they had mentioned the possibility of play dates in the past, I believe that the size of each group hinders the possibility of selecting or separating certain chimps from the group, and there’s no plans for that.